Mold has a sneaky way of starting off as a small concern and becoming a big problem. One day you may notice a musty smell, or see a suspicious spot on a baseboard, and the next thing you know you’re standing in a home hardware store trying to decide if an at home mold testing kit and the DIY removal video you found is enough for a quick fix.
A quick DIY fix may sound tempting; you don’t need to try to fit an inspection or remediation into your schedule, it’d cost less, and you’d have the satisfaction of doing something yourself. However, when it comes to mold, DIY testing and removal often opens a door to bigger risks, hidden costs, and long-term headaches.
Before you choose to put the gloves on, and deal with a mold problem on your own, it's worth understanding why mold isn’t a simple surface issue, and why professional testing and remediation exist for a reason.
At-home test kits are readily available in most hardware stores and often marketed as an easy and fast way to get answers. While these kits may seem helpful, they come with many significant limitations and vary in quality.
Most DIY test kits rely on settle plates (a petri dish used to passively collect airborne microbial contaminants) that collect spores over a short period of time. Mold spores are naturally present in indoor and outdoor environments, so a positive result on a DIY test doesn’t tell you much beyond the fact that mold exists somewhere inside your home. These kits typically cannot:
DIY kits also lack context. They don’t account for outdoor spore levels, seasonal variations, buildings conditions, or hidden growth. In many cases, they either cause unnecessary alarm or provide a false sense of reassurance. Interpreting results without the guidance of professional training can easily lead to the wrong conclusion, which can lead to taking the wrong next steps in dealing with the problem.
Professional mold testing goes further than a simple yes or no answer to mold being present in the indoor environment.
One of the biggest differences is that professional samples are taken strategically, using an outdoor reference sample as a baseline. This allows for professionals to determine whether indoor mold levels are elevated and problematic.
Trained inspectors will also use properly calibrated equipment, controlled sampling methods, and have a deep understanding of buildings, knowing how ventilation, building materials, humidity and moisture behaviour can all influence mold growth. Being able to take an investigative approach helps identify not only the presence of mold, but most importantly the root cause, which is essential for long-term solutions.
Click here to learn more about the different types of mold testing the got mold?™ team uses.
One of the biggest dangers of DIY mold removal is exposure. Mold releases microscopic spores into the air and disturbing the affected area can dramatically increase the amount of spores you inhale. Without proper containment, ventilation, and personal protective equipment, homeowners who choose to remove mold on their own can expose themselves and other occupants to high concentrations of spores.
For some people, this exposure can trigger immediate symptoms such as:
For those with asthma, allergies to mold, compromised immune systems, or underlaying respiratory conditions, the effects can be more serious and last longer. What looks like a simple cleaning job, can quickly turn into days or weeks of feeling unwell.
A common misconception is that mold is a surface problem. In reality, what is visible is often just the tip of the iceberg, hiding a much big problem below the surface. Mold feeds on organic materials, making it easy for it to grow behind drywall, under flooring, inside wall cavities, and within insulation.
DIY cleaning methods typically focus on what’s visible, wiping or spraying the surface without addressing what’s underneath or, more importantly, why the mold started growing in the first place. If moisture issues like leaks, condensation, or poor ventilation aren’t identified and fixed, mold is very likely to return, leaving homeowners stuck in a frustrating cycle of cleaning the same area over and over again.
Scrubbing, sanding, or tearing into mold affected materials without proper containment and controls in place can spread spores beyond the original problem area. Instead of solving the issue, DIY removal efforts can often create cross contamination. Spores that are disturbed can travel through air currents, HVAC systems, clothing, and tools, which then settle in new areas of the home.
This means that while one visible patch of mold may disappear, new growth can quietly start somewhere new. Bedrooms, closets, attics and basements can all become unintended landing zones, turning a localized issues into a whole house concern.
Even with the best intentions, many DIY mold removal efforts fail based on the method used. Some approaches can make the mold problem worse or create new risks.
One of the most frequent mistakes is using bleach on mold. Bleach will render the mold growth colourless and odourless, making it look as if it is gone, however it does not effectively kill the mold roots. Mold also grows deep into porous materials, and since bleach is mostly made of water, it can feed the mold growth and encourage regrowth on the surface. The strong fumes from bleach can also irritate eyes, lungs and, and skin, especially in enclosed spaces.
DIY approaches have an appeal to many because it seems cheaper at first, but they can end up costing more in the long run. Incomplete removal, missed moisture issues, and cross contamination can all lead to repeat cleanups, repairs, and even larger remediation projects later on. There is also the potential cost of health impacts, damage to personal belongings, and reduced indoor air quality.
Professional removal focuses on having a detailed remediation plan from the beginning, and getting the job done right the first time. By addressing both the mold growth and the conditions that caused in, professionals help prevent regrowth and protect the overall health of the home and its occupants.
There are situations where light DIY mold cleaning may be appropriate, but only for certain conditions and materials. Very small amounts of surface mold found on non-porous materials, such as hard plastics, vinyl, or sealed surfaces, can by cleaned using a mixture of dish soap and warm water. This is a remedy that works well without the reliance on harsh chemical cleaning and is widely accepted with the laboratories and doctors that the got mold?™ team has worked with over the years.
Professional cleaning is strongly recommended when:
In these cases, professionals have the right training, equipment, experience and methods needed to remove mold safely and thoroughly, without putting anyone in the home at risk.
Mold is more than an unsightly nuisance; it is a living organism that thrives on moisture and spreads easily when disturbed. While DIY testing and removal may feel satisfying, they often underestimate the complexity of the problem and the risks involved.
When it comes to mold, having prior knowledge, proper equipment, and experienced staff matters. Bringing in professionals isn't about giving up control; it’s about making the informed decision to protect your health, your home, and your peace of mind. Sometimes the smartest DIY move is knowing when not to do it yourself.
Fill up the form and our Team will get back to you within 24 hours.
Fill up the form and our Team will get back to you within 24 hours.
.webp){kind=small}